Cheapest apartments & houses for rent in Santa Barbara County, CA
The median gross rent in Santa Barbara County is $1,964 — 52% above the California state median. It ranks #44 of 57 counties for affordability.
Median rent$1,964
1-bedroom$1,706
2-bedroom$1,991
3-bedroom$2,296
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How to find the cheapest rent in Santa Barbara County
- Target the $1,706–$1,991 range. That spans typical 1- and 2-bedroom rents here, so anything well under it is a genuine deal.
- Compare nearby counties. Rents can swing a lot across a county line — the list below shows cheaper options within California.
- Look off-peak. Winter months (Nov–Feb) usually bring the lowest asking rents and the most negotiable landlords.
- Check income-based options. If rent here runs high, HUD-supported and income-restricted units can cut costs substantially.
Cheaper counties near Santa Barbara County
- Modoc County$796
- Trinity County$928
- Imperial County$961
- Glenn County$978
- Siskiyou County$984